CODY McCARVER —I MIGHT JUST LIVE FOREVER (ARG Television Records)

[Maurice Hope]

 http://www.codymccarver.com

http://www.facebook.com/officialmccarver

Formerly with Confederate Railroad, Cody McCarver was a fixture for twelve successful years till in 2009 he became a solo act. Keyboard, guitar and harmonica playing singer-songwriter McCarver as you will be soon aware of once listening to his new album be of the opinion hasn't made a bad career choice.

 

Singing stories about redneck life, falling in and out of love before a sound typical of southern rock influenced bands Cody also shows a fine talent for plaintive story telling. As in ‘I’m America’ that speaks of a guy having fought in the Vietnam War and how he is now a volunteer with Project Hope—aided by tinking piano, keyboards, female harmony vocals and a general feel associated with someone reminiscing on life it conjures some finely cut imagery. ‘Redneck Friends Of Mine’ takes the listener into the world of backwoods life, chickens in the yard, 4-wheel trucks and even mentions a former boss of the original members of Confederate Railroad, David Allan Coe (the late Johnny Paycheck was another who they once backed) and there is the tale ‘Let's Get Dirty’ of how he once was a Nascar fan till they lost big hero D-A-L-E (Earnhardt) in a car crash.

 

On occasions I sensed a smidge of Waylon (‘Outlaws And Trains’- that comes complete with the female harmonies of the impressive Michelle Poe) and possibly, good ol’ southern boy Charlie Daniels in his style of work. As for his closing cut ‘Good Ol’ Time’ it is a blast! Hard driven country rap awash in Redneck dialog as their way of life is described. Funky. Of the named guests helping out on vocals he has Richard Sterban (Oak Ridge Boys) help out on an average (messy and forgettable) ‘Bow Chicka Wow Wow’, Colt Ford on ‘White Trash..’ and Big Smo on the closing cut (he also plays harmonica, and it is a nice sound too).  

 

All but two songs are from McCarver’s pen; those in question imported are the superb, banjo open, guitar-driven ‘Kick It Into 4-Wheel Drive’ that speaks the resilience of red-blooded Americans of the South. Plus there is the jaunty paced, humorous ode ‘White Trash With Money’ (Danny Shirley, Buck Moore) sure to become a favourite with not only his fans, but also those of his former band since writer Shirley is still leading the band! Oh, for those into movies three songs are to be found on soundtracks for the motion pictures; Billy The Kid, L.A Dirt and Cole Younger And The Black Train.  

 

                                                            Maurice Hope